RADIO AND WORLD WAR II
FDR’s FOURTH TERM NOMINATION

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, July 16, 1994

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) NBC’s Ben Grauer reports on the second day of the historic convention from the Chicago Stadium. “The convention and the nation has known for days that Franklin D. Roosevelt will be returned as their choice for President of the United States… but there’s no clear majority who the choice for vice president is.”  Reports by reporters Robert St. John, H. V. Kaltenborn, Richard Harkness, Morgan Beatty, Don Fischer.  News of the assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler and his associates.

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Opening speech by Sen. Sam Jackson of Indiana who talks about FDR’s good health, vigor and abilities; the dangers of making a change now; negative remarks about Thomas E. Dewey, Republican candidate for president; FDR’s Depression successes; and the invasion of Normandy, 45 days ago.

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Coverage continues from the Chicago Stadium. Bryson Rasch gives a “color” report from the scene; Martin Agronski has an exclusive “scoop” interview with Vice President Henry A. Wallace, the man who wants to be re-nominated. There are problems with the seating of the Texas delegation; H. V. Kaltenborn discusses the Hitler assassination attempt and Democratic platform strategy.

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Coverage of the official balloting for the Democratic nomination for President of the U. S., the historic vote that gives Franklin D. Roosevelt his unprecedented fourth term nomination.  Robert St. John with news updates.

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44)  Ben Grauer and Robert St. John with coverage of the opening of the evening session of the convention.  Danny O’Neill sings the National Anthem.  Speaker is Congresswoman-elect Helen Gahagan Douglas, wife of actor Melvyn Douglas, now serving in combat.

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) NBC coverage continues from the Chicago Stadium for a speech by international correspondent Quentin Reynolds who tells the delegates (and the radio audience) that the boys in the service know what they’re fighting for.  President Roosevelt, speaking from a secret undisclosed location, makes his acceptance speech for the nomination to a fourth term as the Democratic candidate for president.

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Coverage of a spontaneous demonstration in behalf of Henry A. Wallace as candidate for a second term as FDR’s vice president.  The second day of the convention is adjourned. H. V. Kaltenborn comments.

–PLUS–

ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-4-51) Book 82, Chapter 4.

ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-5-51) Book 82, Chapter 5.